Bangladesh fuel imports surged 107% in fiscal 2025-26. Record bill reached $10.63 billion.

Bangladesh spent a record $10.63 billion on crude oil and petroleum products in fiscal 2025-26, more than double the $5.14 billion spent a year earlier, according to Bangladesh Bank data.

Fuel accounted for more than 14% of the country’s $75.24 billion merchandise import bill, or roughly $1 of every $7 spent on goods from abroad. Fuel import costs jumped 107%, while overall merchandise imports rose 10.1%.

Higher global prices and stronger domestic demand drove the surge. Bangladesh imported 5.74 million tonnes of fuel in the first nine months of the fiscal year, up from 5 million tonnes a year earlier.

Crude oil costs rose 92% to $1.20 billion, while spending on petroleum products increased 109.1% to $9.44 billion. Energy expert M Tamim warned costs could climb further if global oil prices remain elevated.